General Question

Is this feasible?

We are preparing to go away on a five day vacation. The dogs will be going to a kennel (I wish it was the one @loser works at), but the cats are still a quandary.

I read somewhere that it is possible to freeze a honey bee and then defrost it a few days later with no harm done to the honey bee. It simply unthaws, shakes it’s six little fists and curses angrily before flying away.

Can I do this with my cats? I have a ton of space in my deep freeze right now and I think they would both fit comfortably. I mean, cats are just like big, furry, honey bees, right?

No, you cannot do this with your cats. It’s as simple as that. Well, if you want them to still be alive when you get back, that is. Not feasible. Not at all. Not even close. Hate to break it to you, it won’t work, really, it’s just plain a bad idea, really, end of debate. Sorry to be so negative and all.

If it works, you’ll be famous. Document the entire process, maybe hook up a webcam to share the thawing process with the world.

You’ll either make a fortune or incite the wrath of PETA, but either way you’re guaranteed a viral you-tube sensation.

As a side note, my son has frozen several kinds of bees, including honey bees, as a way to kill them quickly for his insect collection. None of them have survived the freezer, which is kind of good because I bet they’d be pissed.

@Blondesjon – First of all, you really need to be careful because apparently freezing cats can be habit-forming. Then you end up with multiple freezers, an incredible electric bill, and neighbors that are very leery of coming near your house (which, depending on your neighbors, could be a good thing).

Secondly, cats will shed into your ice maker and you will never have fur-free ice ever again.

And finally, putting a cat into the freezer is a lot like giving a cat a pill Unless you like to bleed it isn’t recommended.

for some reason this reminds me of when my husband and i went away on our honeymoon. we asked my cousin to watch our cats, just give them water and food. apparently he felt the need to put the tv on for them, because he said they were bored. fucking cats don’t watch tv. we were looking forward to the look electric bill.

I’m sure your cats will greet you with lots of love when you unfreeze them. It’ll be like it never happened.

What about a flash freezing technique of some sort? I mean it would be quick and painless, then toss them in the frizzer and you are ready to go. FYI, if you wrap the cats in something (like bubble wrap) before putting them in storage you will avoid the issue of furry ice cubes.

@Blondesjon…Nice idea, but…....a normal freezer is not appropriate to place animals in a temporary cryogenic state. @SuperMouse is absolutely correct: successful thawing and resuscitation requires that your cat had been flash frozen. As clearly stated in the link: “Flash freezing techniques are also used to freeze biological samples fast enough that large ice crystals cannot form and damage the sample.” Good luck to you.

Do you have a plan for thawing the little darlings? Do you just set them out on the counter like the steaks you plan to serve for dinner? Do you put them in warm water? Do you use a blow dryer or a heat lamp?

@SuperMouse . . .I was thinking that I could use the Permanent Press cycle on the dryer. I would have to put them in a pillow case, of course, so they wouldn’t make so much noise, bangin’ around in there…

@Darwin. . .I wish I had taken your advice. Do you use your belt to tie the artery off above or below the elbow?

@ragingloli. . .Aren’t you the one that suggested I watch Japanese porn with them? I think the Big Guy frowns on that too.

I’ve left my cats for 5 days. Count out how much dry food they will eat in 5 days, and add a cup or so more. Do the same for water, but add an extra bowl. As far as litter goes well, I have an extra litter box for emergencies, plus a cheap, quick litter box is a disposable turkey pan. Add at least 1, they would prefer 2. (I have great cats, and none of the 5 have ever eliminated on the floor, but if you don’t have as great cats as I, I cannot promise you anything.)

Be nice. Your cats love you and need you more than you think they do. = ^ . . ^ =

One of my cats loves to watch cat stuff on YouTube. He sits on my lap and intently watches. He likes dogs and birds and rabbits, too. But when people come on the screen, or just words, he goes to sleep.

@chyna when my cats get a job and pay the bill, they can watch all the tv they want.
my one cat does enjoy Boobah but it tends to freak me out more than anything. Plus, he attacks the flying balls. Not good for the tv. lol

well the question isn’t so much getting them frozen, it’s unfreezing a complex organism that’s the problem. See certain bees are used to being frozen due to their winter hibernation. Their exo-skeleton plays a major role in this phenomena, as is the case with most other insects who can be frozen. But when you freeze, say, a human. It’s not the take off, it’s the landing….

It works just fine- provided you have not used up all their nine lives.But I must warn you- they are NOT amused on thaw and have been known to do bodily damage for weeks after- stalking you like prey and leaving presents in your bed.

@Blondesjon:
Let’s be practical, for goodness sake…
1. Feed them well before freezing, so they’ll be satiated.
2. Add the anti-freeze to their water.
3. A little benadryl should put them to sleep;
4. So you can use this
5. Upon your return, thaw gently in a warm, yet comfortable place.
6. Have a great trip!
**Oh, and bring them back come catnip to calm their feelings at having been left alone. Cat’s aren’t really into souvenirs.